Alewijnse Marine Systems has taken another step in confirming its position as a key supplier to the worldwide maritime market by opening an office in Brazil. Alewijnse recognises that Brazil is a vital high-growth market that is emerging as a world economic power, and which hosts a booming shipping and offshore industry.

A physical presence in the country is therefore a key part of Alewijnse’s strategy for the region, where it will focus on offshore services and new-build activities.

Brazil’s rapid rise up the rankings of leading maritime nations has been boosted by the significant finds in recent years of offshore oil and gas resources, making it now fourth in the world league table of total reserves. As a result Alewijnse began investigating business possibilities there a year ago and this has now resulted in the establishment of the new office in Rio de Janeiro.

The Business Unit Manager is Tom Musters, who has been in Brazil since June 2010 and is responsible for commercial and operational matters as well as business development. Tom is a former sea captain and among other subsequent roles has worked as a senior international project manager for Damen. At present the focus of activity is the area around Rio de Janeiro, which is the centre of the country’s maritime industry and so offers the best prospects for new business. However given the rapid growth of the economy this is expected to change and Alewijnse will extend its operations as the industry develops.

As the Brazil business unit is currently supported by the Alewijnse office in Rotterdam it does currently have a strong focus on the service side of the business, however Alewijnse is already negotiating on several new-build projects for the offshore sector. The demands of the Brazilian market gives the company the opportunity to introduce the full scope of its capabilities from engineering, production and installation to connecting, commissioning and after-sales service, and promote its proven record as a reputable electrical system integrator. The Brazil operation will also enable Alewijnse to enhance its ability to offer top-quality engineering and system integration skills at globally competitive prices.

Source: alewijnse,May 26, 2011;